Cause of mudslide that led to 10-hour closure on I-5 in Bellingham revealed

On October 27, 2024, a major mudslide in Bellingham, Washington, led to a 10-hour closure of the northbound lanes of I-5. City officials revealed that the incident was triggered by a clogged culvert obstructed by a roll of carpet padding, which hindered effective drainage and caused water buildup. This accumulation saturated the soil and destabilized the slope, resulting in the slide. Fortunately, city engineers found no immediate risk to surrounding structures after a thorough assessment. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is actively collaborating with city officials to monitor the embankment and ensure safety.

Thousands of vehicles were forced to take alternate routes during the closure, significantly affecting local traffic. The mudslide occurred amidst heavy rainfall, with nearly two inches recorded in Bellingham on the morning of the incident. WSDOT has committed to ongoing monitoring of the situation and the stability of the surrounding area.